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National Institutes of Health

Elder abuse is doing something or failing to do something that results in harm to an
elderly person or puts a helpless older person at risk of harm. This includes

Physical, sexual and emotional abuse

Neglecting or deserting an older person you are responsible for

Taking or misusing an elderly person's money or property

Elder abuse can happen within the family. It can also happen in settings such as
hospitals or nursing homes or in the community. Elder abuse is a serious problem in this
country. All 50 states have laws against elder abuse. The laws differ, but all states have
systems for reporting suspected abuse.